Jessie Lemonier death updates — Detroit Lions defensive end dies at 25 as team issues statement on shock passing

FORMER Detroit Lions defensive player Jessie Lemonier has died at the age of 25.

The news of his shocking death broke on Thursday.

The Lions said in a statement that they were "shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of former Detroit Lion Jessie Lemonier.

"Jessie was a model teammate and wonderful young man who is gone far too soon."

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time."

Follow our Jessie Lemonier blog for more news and updates...

Jessie Lemonier's net worth

According to educationweb.com Jessie Lemonier was estimated to be worth $1million.

The late Detroit Lions linebacker's net worth was made from his football career and endorsement deals.

Lemonier played for the Los Angeles Chargers, Detroit Lions, and Arizona Cardinals.

Liberty Flames Sports Network pays tribute on air

The Liberty Flames Sports Network radio broadcast paid tribute to former Liberty Flames defensive end Jessie Lemonier at halftime of their men's college basketball game.

The official Twitter of the Sports Network posted, "Thursday at halftime of our @libertymbb_ radio broadcast we paid tribute to the life of former @libertyfootball defensive end, Jessie Lemonier."

The former NFL linebacker passed away at the age of 25, there still has been no cause of death revealed at this time.

Heartfelt tributes continue to roll in

After the announcement that Jessie Lemonier passed away at the age of 25, a plethora of people who have met the former NFL linebacker posted touching tributes to Twitter.

One user wrote, "@Lemonier59 while many knew you as a baller, to me you were just a great kid with a smile on your face. Our family will miss you. Rest in peace, Chef Lemon"

Another wrote, "Coach Aldridge had posted some pictures of Jessie Lemonier. This one really shows the kind of person he was! 25 is too young"

The picture below the post shows Lemonier playing with a toddler.

Differences between the NFL and USFL

Jessie Lemonier played in the NFL’s Detroit Lions before joining the USFL this past season.

The NFL is a major league while the USFL is a minor league, meaning there are differences between the two.

The NFL has 32 teams while the USFL only has 8 active teams.

The seasons for each team are different as well.

The NFL runs from September through January while the USFL plays from April to July to avoid direct competition.

What is the USFL?

The United States Football League is a professional minor league that plays from April to June.

The old league was dismantled in 1985, however, a new version reemerged last April.

Although the league doesn’t aim to compete with the NFL, it does aim to generate viewership during the NFL’s offseason.

Jessie Lemonier had signed with the Houston Renegades before getting traded to the Birmingham Stallions.

What is the XFL?

The XFL is a new football league that prides itself on being “fan-first,” according to its official website.

The league started on February 8, 2020, with eight teams playing a 10-week regular season and a two-week postseason.

The league is fan-first, ultra-accessible, and true to the game.

The rules differ from NFL football because it’s more fast-paced with fewer play stoppages.

Jessie Lemonier was drafted by the team’s Arlington Renegades before he made the decision to join the USFL.

Former college teammates and coaches mourn Jessie Lemonier

Although Jessie Lemonier did not play for the Ventura Football organization long his impact can not be denied.

Former Ventura College teammate Connor McArthur posted, "Words cannot begin to describe how heartbroken I am, just doesn’t feel real at all, I love you, brother. Always were family, since we stepped on campus at VC together and will be forever. Going to miss you, Big Jess."

Former Ventura College assistant coach Jeff Fischer wrote, "Lemonier was so contagious to be around. Had such a bright future. Gone way too soon."

Tributes continue to flood in for Jessie Lemonier

Fans have flooded to Twitter to post tributes after it was announced former NFL linebacker Jessie Lemonier passed away at the age of 25.

One fan wrote, Very sad to hear the passing of Jessie Lemonier former Detroit Lions player. God Speed.

Another wrote, "VC football family is one of a kind!! Truly a brotherhood that lasts forever! Fly high brother"

There still has been no cause of death released at this time.

• Head coach is ‘heartbroken’

• Jesse Lemonier‘s head coach from their time at Liberty, Hugh Freeze said he was “heartbroken” on Twitter.

• Freeze continued: “Jesse was one of the most intense players and incredible teammates that I have ever coached.”

• “Prayers for peace to his family.”

Fans honor Jessie Lemonier’s Liberty football days

Fans have taken to Twitter to praise the late former NFL linebacker’s time at Liberty University.

One fan wrote, “Jessie Lemonier, one of the greatest ever to wear the Red, White, and Navy. Forever a Flame. We’ll miss you”

Another fan wrote, “So sad to hear about the passing of former Liberty standout Jessie Lemonier. Had a large part in our first bowl win vs. Georgia Southern and helping to build this football program. Praying for his family and friends.”

Ventura College football coach comments on Jessie Lemonier's passing

Head coach Steve Mooshagian of the Ventura Pirates honored the late Jessie Lemonier after learning of his passing.

The official Twitter of Ventura College football tweeted out the head coach's statement.

It read, "Heartbroken losing of one of best kids I ever coached. A great human off the field & one who wreaked havoc when on it. He always told me, “Coach don’t worry, Nobody can block me, I will get to the QB”. I was so proud of the man he became & I will miss him very much"

Lemonier played for the Ventura Pirates for a year before transferring to Liberty University.

Jessie Lemonier was set to play for the USFL

Jessie Lemonier was drafted by the Arlington Renegades in November but instead signed with the USFL’s Houston Gamblers, according to ESPN.

Lemonier was then traded to the Birmingham Stallions.

The Stallions and Gamblers are members of the United States Football League.

More on Jessie’s career

Jessie played at Hialeah High School in Florida before spending a season at Ventura College in California.

He then transferred to Liberty, helping the school transition to the FBS level during the 2018 and 2019 seasons.

While at Liberty, Jessie was named MVP in the 2019 Cure Bowl for the team’s first-ever bowl victory.

He was then signed by the Chargers as an undrafted free agent before playing with the Lions, according to the NFL.

Former and current Los Angeles Chargers add to tributes

Former Los Angeles Chargers players have commented on the team's Instagram post remembering Jessie Lemonier.

Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Kemon Hall added a praying hands emoji and a blue heart to the post.

Former Chargers running back Melvin Gordon III wrote, "dam man" accompanied by a white heart emoji, praying hands emoji, and a sad face emoji.

Legendary tight end Antonio Gates added two praying hands emojis to the post.

Detroit Lions players and coaches comment on the passing of Jessie Lemonier

Many former NFL teammates and coaches have commented on the Detroit Lions Instagram post remembering Jessie Lemonier.

Former NFL linebacker and current defensive assistant for the Detroit Lions Kelvin Sheppard wrote, "#RIP NATOR"

Cornerback for the Detriot Lions Jerry Jacobs added, "Rest in heaven bro"

Fullback for the Detroit Lions Jason Cabinda wrote, "RIP BRO"

Jessie Lemonier’s NFL career: Arizona Cardinals

Jessie Lemonier's playing time for the Arizona Cardinals was short-lived as he never made the active roster.

He registered a sack in a preseason game but was later released during training camp.

The Cardinals struggled during the 2022 season finishing with a record of 4-13 and missing the playoffs.

Jessie Lemonier's NFL career: Detroit Lions

On September 2, 2021, Jessie Lemonier was signed to the Detroit Lions practice squad and promoted to the active roster on October 6.

Jessie played in seven games for the Detroit Lions in 2021, his most notable highlight was when he sacked super bowl winning QB Aaron Rodgers.

Lemonier was waived on May 16, 2022, from the Lions but was claimed the next day by the Arizona Cardinals.

Jessie Lemonier's NFL career: Los Angeles Chargers

Jessie Lemonier came out of college as an undrafted free agent and signed with the Los Angeles Chargers on April 26, 2020.

During that season the Chargers had a record of 7-9 and missed out on the playoffs.

Lemonier was waived and resigned from the team three separate times throughout the season but ultimately got his shot for the Chargers when he was brought up to the active roster for the team's week 15 game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Jessie Lemonier concluded the 2021 NFL season with a bang

The 2021 NFL regular season came to a close but not without former Liberty Flame Jessie Lemonier leaving his mark on it.

In their final game of the season, Jessie Lemonier was able to sack four-time MVP QB Aaron Rodgers.

Lemonier was part of the Arizona Cardinals before being released on August 17, 2022.

Different numbers Jessie Lemonier wore during his football career

Jessie Lemonier played for a plethora of teams in his high school/college career and his NFL career.

He spent time playing for the Liberty Flames, Los Angeles Chargers, Detroit Lions, and Arizona Cardinals and was slated to play for the Birmingham Stallions.

Here is a list of all the numbers Lemonier donned during his football days.

• 90
• 58
• 53
• 52

Jessie Lemonier's agent adds to tributes

Jessie Lemonier's agent David Canter took to social media late last night to honor his late friend and client.

He tweeted, "There are no words to describe the last 24 hrs here @gsefootball Need a lot of time to gather my wits after hearing of the tragic death of our client, friend & brother Jessie Lemonier. We will forever be grateful for the laughter & smiles we shared together. Absolute tragedy. RIP"

Lemonier has died unexpectedly at the age of 25, no cause of death has been revealed yet.

NFL tragedies in 2022, conclusion

Dallas Cowboys player Marion Barber III was found dead in his apartment last June.

Jeff Gladney, a player for the Arizona Cardinals died in a car crash in May at the age of 25.

Dwayne Haskins, the quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers died at 24 after being hit by a car while crossing an intersection in Florida.

Lastly, Shane Olivea a player for the San Diego Chargers died in March after suffering from hypertensive heart disease.

NFL tragedies in 2022, continued

Jessie Lemonier has joined a list of NFL stars that passed away tragically.

In 2022, Gavin Escobar, former tight end of the Dallas Cowboys passed away from a rock climbing incident at just 31.

Tony Siragusa, former defensive tickle for the Baltimore Ravens died in June.

Another Baltimore Ravens player, Jaylon Ferguson died in June after being found unresponsive in his home.

NFL tragedies in 2022

The NFL has lost many beloved players in the past year.

Ronnie Hillman, former running back for the Denver Broncos passed away in December after entering hospice care for Renal Medullary Carcinoma.

Clemson University star Adrian Dingle passed away suddenly at 45 years old in November.

Green Bay Packers and New York Giants alum Antonio Dennard was killed in a shooting last October.

• 15 tackles in NFL career

• During Jessie Lemonier’s time playing in the NFL, he registered 15 tackles and 1.5 sacks.

• Jessie played for the Detroit Lions during the 2021 season.